Legally, the physical medical record, including charts, test results, and imaging studies, belongs to the healthcare provider or facility that created it. However, the information contained within the record belongs to the patient. This distinction grants patients the right to access, amend, and obtain copies of their health information. For example, a clinic owns the physical file containing a patient’s blood test results, but the patient has the right to receive a copy of those results.
This dual nature of control balances the provider’s need to maintain organized records with the patient’s fundamental right to privacy and control over their health information. Historically, access to medical records was often difficult for patients. Modern regulations, like HIPAA in the United States, now codify these rights, emphasizing the importance of patient access and control in improving healthcare quality and fostering trust between patients and providers. These regulations also outline specific circumstances where access can be restricted, such as in cases of mental health records where disclosure could harm the patient.
